pharm neuro cards

what do benzodiazepines do to the patient?

lessen stiffness in muscles and improve movement and ADLs

what are some considerations when taking benzodiazepines

dont operate any heavy machinery or drive, monitor respiration and put on fall risk (CNS depress and ttgnc)

reversal for benzo?

flumazenil

what do antispasmodics do?

suppresses muscle reflexes and relaxes CNS

what does baclofen do?

suppresses hyperactive reflex in CNS

what should you tell a pt who is going to take baclofen?

drink lots of water and call your provider before stopping the medication

what does dantrolene do to the body?

inhibits Ca, which relaxes skeletal muscles

what patients shouldnt use dantrolene? (think of what it does to the body)

patients with a history of cardiac, pulmonary, or neuromuscular  disorder

what should patients be monitored for when on dantrolene?

AST/ALT

what do anticholinergics do to the body?

reduces involuntary muscle movements from inhibiting acetylcholine

adverse fx of anticholinergics systemically

GI upset, potential euphoria, increased risk of alzheimer’s, and exacerbated NAG (narrow angle glaucoma)

what is the biggest side effect of anticholinergics?

dry mouth

what do GABA analogs do to the body

inhibit GABA in body

what does inhibiting GABA do?

relief of involuntary muscle movements (dystonia) and manages neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia

what should the patient expect when taking GABA analogs?

mood changes, starting the medication at night time, tapering it when finishing with it

dopaminergics, what do they do?

increase fx of dopamine by increasing the availability of it

how do dopaminergics increase availability of dopamine?

either by transporting more or by increasing production

what does increased dopamine mean for the pt?

reduced tremors, memory loss, and involuntary movements

what should be considered with any medication given for Parkinson’s?

the drugs most likely have a lot of considerations

cholinesterase inhibs and NMDA receptor agonists treat which neurologic disorder?

Alzheimer’s

what do cholinesterase inhibs do?

increases acetylcholine which improves cognitive function

what should Alzheimer meds be monitored for?

CNS depression

what do ADHD meds do in the brain?

stimulates the prefrontal cortex and increases availability of norepinephrine and dopamine

what should pts be told when taking ADHD meds?

take them in the daytime to prevent insomnia, avoid other stimulants, or meds that affect the heart.

which patients should be cautious before taking ADHD meds

pts with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or cardiovascular disease

what do glaucoma eye drops do?

lowers intraocular pressure

instructions before taking glaucoma eye drops?

take out any contacts and report any eye changes or pain. wait five minutes in between different drops

instructions taking glaucoma eye drops?

hold pressure immediately on inner canthus and nasolacrimal sac for 30-60 seconds to prevent systemic fx